1 Understand What Small Claims Court Is
Small claims in Colorado handle disputes involving:
- Monetary claims up to $7,500 for individuals or businesses.
- Claims are usually resolved quickly and informally.
- Attorneys cannot represent you at the hearing, though you may consult one beforehand.
- Most cases are resolved in a single hearing.
2 Decide If Small Claims Court Is Right for You
Common small claims cases in Pueblo include:
- Unpaid loans or money owed
- Property damage
- Breach of simple contracts
- Landlord/tenant disputes (unpaid rent or security deposits)
- Auto repair or service disputes
- Contractor or handyman disputes
If your case is complex or the claim exceeds $7,500, you may need to file in a higher civil court instead of small claims.
3 Confirm You Can File in Pueblo
You can file a small claims case in Pueblo, Colorado if:
- The dispute occurred within the city of Pueblo
- The person you are suing lives, works, or does business in Pueblo
- The business you are suing operates in Pueblo
Filing in the correct court jurisdiction is essential. Filing in the wrong court can delay your case or result in dismissal.
4 Fill Out the Required Forms
To start your case, complete:
- Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear for Trial (Form JDF 250)
This form requires:
- Your name and contact information
- The defendant’s name and address
- The amount you are claiming (up to $7,500)
- A brief explanation of your claim
Forms are available online at the Colorado Judicial Branch website or at the Pueblo Court Clerk’s office.
5 File Your Claim With the Court
Once your forms are ready, file your claim:
- In person at the Pueblo Courthouse:
- By mail (send original + copies)
Filing Fees (Typical):
- $55 for claims up to $500
- $80 for claims $500.01 to $7,500
Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford the filing fee.
Court Location:
Pueblo Combined Court
501 N. Elizabeth Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
United States
6 Serve the Defendant With Court Papers
After filing, you must serve the defendant with a copy of your court papers. You cannot serve the papers yourself.
Accepted methods in Pueblo:
- Personal service (by sheriff or private process server)
- Certified mail (if allowed by the court)
After service, file a Return of Service form with the court.
7 Prepare for Your Hearing
Before your hearing:
- Gather contracts, receipts, photos, invoices, and communications
- Prepare a short timeline of events
- Bring three copies of all evidence (for the judge, defendant, and yourself)
Pueblo offers access to Self‑Help Centers and court staff to provide guidance on preparing your case.
8 Attend Your Small Claims Hearing
Hearings are usually scheduled 6–8 weeks after filing. At the hearing:
- You briefly present your claim
- The judge asks questions
- The defendant presents their side
The judge may issue a decision immediately or mail it later.
9 After the Court’s Decision
- If you win: The court issues a judgment stating how much the defendant owes. The court does not collect the money for you, so you may need to pursue collection through:
- Wage garnishment
- Bank levies
- Property liens
- If you lose: Plaintiffs generally cannot appeal, though defendants may have limited appeal rights.
Final Thoughts
Filing a small claims case in Pueblo, Colorado doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right forms, proper service, and organized evidence, you can confidently present your case without an attorney.
Tools like SmallClaimsHero can also guide you through filing and preparation, ensuring your case is handled correctly from start to finish.